Dates: November 17, 1973-February 3, 2022
The Tragedy:
Sergeant Chris Jenkins tragically lost his life when he was struck and fatally injured by a tractor-trailer as he worked to clear a ladder from I-75. The ladder had fallen off a utility truck, so Sergeant Jenkins used a rolling roadblock to stop traffic then stepped out of his vehicle to remove the ladder. An approaching tractor-trailer was unable to halt in time, resulting in a collision that took Jenkin’s life, damaged his patrol car, and impacted several other vehicles.
More info:
WJHL :Loudon County deputy killed in I-75 crash identified
The Service:
Jenkins was honored on February 9, 2022 at the Loudon High School Gymnasium with fellow officers from across the state of Tennessee.
Sergeant Jenkins was a dedicated United States Air Force veteran and had faithfully served the Loudon Count Sheriff’s Office for two decades. He is survived by his son, daughter, mother, fiancée, fiancée’s two daughters, sister, brother-in-law, and two nephews. His son continues the family’s commitment to public service as a deputy in the same agency and has since taken over working with Deja-Vu, his father’s K-9 patrol partner.
A year after his death a memorial was held. “His personality, his leadership skills, he’s probably one of the best leaders I’ve ever seen. The way he takes care of his guys, the way he’s a father, the way he was a community member, not just a police officer,” said Chief Deputy Zac Frye.
More info:
wate: “One of the best leaders I’ve ever seen”
Knoxnews : Obituary
WVLT : second annual memorial ride
The Justice:
Unfortunately, the driver responsible for dropping the ladder did not stop but was later identified as Sonny Beason. He was charged with three counts of misdemeanor reckless endangerment and driving on a suspended license. Benson has since pleaded guilty.
The operator of the truck that struck Jenkins, Christopher Savannah, faced multiple charges, including vehicular homicide by intoxication, vehicular homicide by recklessness, two counts of reckless endangerment, DUI, possession of narcotics, possession of a firearm while under the influence, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Savannah is set to appear in court on August 15.
Following Jenkin’s tragic death Governor Bill Lee enacted the “Sergeant Chris Jenkins Law” which makes it an offense for someone to operate a vehicle on a public roadway and carry an item in an open bed or trailer without it being adequately secured.
More info:
abc6 : Truck driver indicted in death of Sgt. Chris Jenkins
Wate : Sergeant Chris Jenkins Law
Delivery:
The painting has not yet been delivered as we hope to deliver in person and are working to schedule a trip to Tennessee.